Centre rolls back GRAP-3 pollution curbs in Delhi-NCR as AQI improves

NEW DELHI: The commission for air quality management (CAQM) has withdrawn Stage-III measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR as the air quality index (AQI) shows improvement. Officials confirmed on Sunday that Stage-I and Stage-II protocols remain active.
This withdrawal follows the sub-committee's assessment of air quality data and IMD/IITM forecasts, which indicated declining AQI levels.

The AQI in Delhi showed consistent improvement, recording 339 at 4.00 pm and 335 at 5.00 pm, attributed to favourable weather conditions and enhanced wind speeds. IMD/IITM forecasts suggest Delhi's AQI will likely remain in the 'Poor' category due to advantageous weather conditions.

The CAQM had implemented Stage-III restrictions on January 5 across Delhi-NCR following increased pollution levels. The previous Stage-III restrictions were removed on December 27.
GRAP serves as an emergency protocol in Delhi-NCR to address air pollution based on AQI severity. Stage III prohibits non-essential construction and requires classes up to grade V to adopt hybrid learning, with online education options available where possible.
Stage-III restrictions include prohibiting BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts.
Additionally, it bars non-essential diesel-operated medium goods vehicles with BS-IV or older standards in Delhi.
The Supreme Court previously mandated implementing GRAP Stage III when AQI exceeds 350 and Stage IV when it crosses 400. Both Stage-III and Stage-IV were enacted on December 16 after AQI reached 401.